When you think about summer holidays in Greece, which island first pops in your head? There's one island in particular that always comes on top of every list, and that is none other than Santorini.
The island of Santorini (also known as Thira or Thera) belongs to the complex of Cyclades islands, it is located in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea and is considered to be a top holiday destination for visitors from all over the globe. The island is famous not only for its volcano but also for its stunning sunsets and picturesque villages, offering travelers a unique holiday experience.
The volcano of Santorini is considered to be one of the most active in the entire Europe, making it one of the most characteristic parts of the island. It belongs to the South Aegean Volcanic Arc and it is characterized as the most active volcano of the arc.
The biggest volcanic eruption that took place in Santorini was the Minoan eruption (also known as Thera eruption) in 1613 BC, which resulted in the creation of the Caldera of Santorini, as well as in the destruction of the prehistoric culture of the island. The shape of the island changed as well, from circular to a semi-circular shape, even creating two separate small islands around the caldera. The eruption caused a tsunami which reached the island of Crete and cause the destruction of the Minoan civilization. Some theories have even linked this volcanic eruption and the island of Santorini with the myth of the lost island of Atlantis.
Santorini's climate is humid and really healthy, while its soil is ideal for farming. For that reason, you will find many local products in the island that you have to try during your stay, such as tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, fava beans, cucumber, white eggplant and barley, while melitinia is a very famous sweet delicacy as well.
One of Santorini's most famous products, however, is undoubtedly its wine. With vineyards that date as far back as the ancient times, Santorini's wine production has been acclaimed worldwide, with wine varieties like Vinsanto, Nychteri and Assyrtiko being the most well-known ones.
Travelers can find a wide assortment of accommodation options in Santorini, from expensive luxurious boutique hotels in caldera to more affordable accommodations at the eastern part of the island. At Travelmyth, the advanced hotel search engine for sophisticated travelers, you will be able to compare prices on various booking sites for hotels in Santorini, as well as find suggestions for the hotels and accommodations that best suit your personal interests, such as hotels with spa, beachfront hotels, for adults only, romantic accommodations, with an infinity pool and so on.